It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Etta Schwartz, who left us peacefully on April 7th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Mary, born on January 29th, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Robert and Ardis Dalbey.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend and community leader who left a lasting legacy in Mora, Minnesota.

Mary attended Willard Country School in rural Mora, Minnesota, and graduated from Mora High School in 1962. She went on to pursue her passion for music at the MacPhail Center in Minneapolis. After marrying in 1965, Mary welcomed her two children, Erin and Jason Thomson, into the world. Her journey took her from the bustling streets of Berkeley, California, where she served as the secretary to the President of Berkeley Seminary, to southern Illinois, where she and her husband were house parents at Huddleston Children's Home, she also enjoyed working at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO and in the PR Department at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Mary eventually returned to Minnesota in 1983, where she would become a pivotal figure in her hometown. After marrying Charles Schwartz in 1984 and gaining a step-daughter, Deb.  She worked at ECRDC- East Central Regional Development Commission which in many ways led to Mary stepping into public service by being elected as the first and only female Mayor of Mora, serving three terms. Her commitment to the community was evident as she worked tirelessly on projects such as the Industrial Park, the Mora Aquatic Center, and Kid's Kingdom. Mary took immense pride in fostering connections with Mora's sister cities, Mora in Sweden and Asahikawa in Japan, enriching her community's spirit through exchange and cultural understanding.

Known for her warmth and approachability, Mary was a dedicated leader who cared deeply about all residents.  She was diligent about responding to any communication, verbal or written, in regard to matters of the city.  She penned a monthly column in the Kanabec County Times and delighted in visiting Mora Elementary to read to students, demonstrating her love for education and the arts. Even in her later years, Mary remained active in her passion for helping children while working at Childcare Resource and Referral at Pine Technical College and volunteered at Mora area preschool programs.

Mary's most favorite jobs were mom and grandma.  Her love and support for her kids was evident by her attendance at every event they participated in, including, band and choir concerts, sporting events (even though sports were not her thing), theatrical performances, whether they were on stage or helping in the background, or singing gigs around Minneapolis, if her kids were participating she was there.  After retiring she was able to embrace being a grandma and filled her house with all the things to make it magical for the grandkids.  She treasured her time helping with all four of her amazing grandkids and later becoming their biggest cheerleader in all of their activities.

Mary beat a breast cancer diagnosis in 2017. In 2018, she faced a new challenge with her diagnosis of Alzheimer's, meeting it with remarkable strength. With the support of her family,  including her sister and brother-in-law, allowing her to maintain a sense of independence until 2020, when she transitioned to Eastwood Senior Living's memory care facility.  The family would like to thank Eastwood and St. Croix Hospice for the love and support they gave Mary during her time with them.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Ardis Dalbey, brother Ken Dalbey and sister Linda Dalbey.

Mary is survived by her cherished children, Erin (Phil) Arndt and Jason (Jessica) Thomson, her step-daughter Deb Schwartz, her adored grandchildren Sierra and Saul Thomson, Blake and Brooklyn Arndt, her sister Sandi (Eric) Carlisle, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Guptill officiating. Rev. Kate Mensing will assist.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 5 until 7 P.M. at the funeral home, as well as one hour prior to the service.

Memorials will be used towards a memorial scholarship in Mary's memory.